Newb here...ride quality question.

[spicylahmchops]

first post here and also a new 2005 300 owner. Was looking at getting 22"'s until I read post saying ride quality suffers badly. Then i kinda decided to go with 20" since this is an everyday driver 35 miles one way to work on new jersey roads....lol

My question is now I am hearing even 20's are too big and hearing about the front end damage ie: rods breaking and such. I was going to be lowering the car about 2", Is there a thicker tire I could get with the 20"'s that would give me better road handling, best tire set-up for the 20's. Or.....go with a 19" set-up, spend $2k for just 2" more

I thank you in advance for your input and help here

[GoofyTimL]

WELCOME from our West Virginia LXs in the Mid-Ohio River Valley. Are you saying you recently purchased a new 2005 300, or that it's "new to you?" Is it a base model, or a Touring or Limited (different engine size). I figure it is not a 300C, or you would have indicated that.

I'm no expert on rims and such, but Ralph Guilles, the designer for the 300, said two years ago and the So.Cal. Festival of LXs that the car was designed with 20in. wheels in mind. Therefore, you should not have any issues with going to 20s. IIRC the base and Touring/Limited models comes stock with 17s, The 300Cs have 18s, the SRTdesign and SRT8s have stock 20s.

Lots of people put 22s on their rides and they look very nice... but... the thinner the side wall the more harsh is the ride (given the same suspension) and the more potential for rim damage due to pot holes and the like (could be a concern in NJ?).

Even with 22s, people tend to want to lower their rides a little and there are a variety of ways to do that... just read around (or search) the forums and you'll find lots of threads on the subject.

Good luck and again WELCOME to 3CF.

[spicylahmchops]

thanks tim, I don't know what model it is as the previous owner took off the emblems, but i KNOW it's not a "c". 6 cyl, and loaded inside. I appreciate your answer and help. What would be an optimal tire size for the 20"s and what would be a good lowering size? I was thinking 2" but wasn't sure. I can ill-afford to sustain anything busting suspension wise.

[GoofyTimL]

See this thread on Tire size calculators. I'd say the typical drop (remember, I'm no expert) is 1.5in to 2in. And if you do it, you want to do both springs and shocks together... and if I were doing it, I would want to have adjustable height and dampening.

The other alternative is called air ride suspension (I'm sure you've seen those). Comes with a compressor and can be lowered nearly to the ground for shows, and raised to stock height for normal driving, etc.

[frankieo]

I have a 05 Limited with 20s on and the only problems I had in three years was two broken tire rods,dont know if the rims was to blame or the pot holes.The ride quality hasnt changed much.The roads in NY are bad and thats why 20s are on my car.

[wanna300]

i have 22s. ride just like my 17s did. i kid you not

[UK CHRYSLER 300C]

Im on 20" and I've had 2 tie rods and 2 complete racks,15000 miles covered,not sure if its the wheels/tyres tho cos my wheels are Startech which are Chrysler approved(Mercedes/Brabus connection maybe!! or maybe just a backhander.lol)

[Pugnacious]

Wow, reading this makes me want to stick with my 17"s. Lets face it - these cars, while considered a luxury car, are designed for a "sporty" luxury. You will never get a 300 to ride like a rols royce - but then again, I could be wrong.

The last thing I need is something else braking that is not covered under warranty. Maybe I should just upgrade my tires and paint the calipers - call it a day?

[p8nman-n]

Originally Posted by wanna300

i have 22s. ride just like my 17s did. i kid you not

Sheww... i would love to know what special 22s you have. I have 22s and its NOWHERE near the same.

[JUST300]

Same situation here... My car is a 2006 300C SRT8, I have 22" wheels, love the looks, but my suspension is nowhere the same it was with the original 20" setup. Suspension is so harsh now...

People at Pedders told me about changing bushings but I wonder if this will actually improve comfort?